Some mega changes are coming to the Mega Millions. The interstate lottery will not only raise the price of a ticket by $3, but it will also reduce the number of Mega Balls and eliminate the Megaplier.
These proposed changes aim to generate more interest by offering larger jackpots, better chances of winning, and a new multiplier feature that can increase non-jackpot prizes up to ten times, according to the Texas Lottery.
Texas Lottery Controller Sergio Rey said the rule changes are not expected to significantly impact state or local government finances. Additionally, they are not anticipated to negatively affect small businesses, rural communities, or employment.
Mega Millions is administered by a consortium of its 12 original lotteries.
The Origins of Mega Millions
According to its website, Mega Millions began on August 31, 1996, as the Big Game. The first drawing took place on September 6, 1996, with six states participating: Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, and Virginia.
In May 2002, the multistate game was given the new name “Mega Millions.” New York and Ohio became member states, and the game matrix and prize amounts were changed to add excitement for players.
Mega Millions is now played in 47 jurisdictions: 45 states, plus the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The Game Has Seen Many Nuances Over the Years
This latest talk of changing the game should not come as a surprise to long-time players. The lottery has seen its share of refinements through the years.
Mega Millions introduced second-tier prizes up to $5 million in October 2013. In October 2017, Mega Millions updated its matrix. This increased the ticket price to $2 and the starting jackpot to $40 million. This also led to faster-growing jackpots and better odds for the second-tier prize of $1 million (up to $5 million with the Megaplier).
Mega Millions remains the only U.S. game offering a second-tier prize as high as $5 million. It has also awarded four jackpots over $1 billion. The 2017 update also introduced the “Just the Jackpot” option, allowing players to buy two jackpot-only chances for $3.00.
But now it appears more changes are on the way.
Proposed Changes to Mega Millions Expected April 8
Starting next April, the price of a basic Mega Millions ticket will go up from $2 to $5. The $1 add-on Megaplier, which lets non-jackpot prizes multiply by 2, 3, 4, or 5 times, will be discontinued.
Currently, Mega Millions drawings on Tuesday and Friday nights include a Megaplier draw with balls marked 2x, 3x, 4x, and 5x. Instead of this optional Megaplier, new rules propose an automatic multiplier that could multiply non-jackpot prizes by 2, 3, 4, 5, or 10 times.
The “Just the Jackpot” option, which gives players two chances to win the jackpot for $3 but no lower-tier prizes, will also end. This option is currently available in 14 states, including Ohio.
The number of gold Mega Balls will decrease from 25 to 24, slightly improving the odds of hitting the jackpot from 1 in 302.57 million. This change will also improve the overall odds of winning any prize.
There may be some backlash from players who balk at the price increase, but this game has already shown its resilience.
Calculators
